All the signs point to the February "sweeps" period.
Television networks pull out all the stops during the month,
because ratings are watched closely to set advertising rates.
But after the initial feasting, viewers can expect to be fed
mostly leftovers.

"The networks throw all this razzle-dazzle programming up so
they get phony ratings so they can charge more ... when
they're not showing this spectacular programming," said Mark
Schwed of TV Guide.

In fact, most shows feature reruns for more than half the
year.

A lot of viewers complain.

"You know, my mother does," said "JAG" actor David James Elliott. "She asks, 'Why don't you have any new shows? Why
is it another rerun?'"

'A delicate balancing act'

It can get confusing. Reruns put Jimmy Smits back on the
beat only weeks after he died on "NYPD Blue." Some shows wear
better than others.

"This show, like good spaghetti, is better the second time
around because you miss stuff and can catch right up," said
Tim Allen of "Home Improvement."

On average, networks spend $1 million per episode, making a
season of 22 new episodes an expensive proposition. Time is
also a factor.

"They may be airing repeats, but we're (working) nine months
a year, five days a week for 12-and-a-half hours a day," said
Noah Wyle of "ER."

"You can ask any of the writers of the show -- to keep the
quality up and to keep the actors satisfied is a delicate
balancing act," Allen added.

So enjoy the sweeps. In March, Dr. Ross may be back in
scrubs, Bobby Simone back on the beat and Chandler and Monica
may just be friends.